BIRKIRKARA 0 BALZAN 0
Birkirkara failed to sparkle in an uninspiring match in which an well-oiled Balzan relied on their fighting qualities and tactical cohesion to block their neighbours’ flair as the game ended goalless.
Birkirkara had to wait until the 18th minute to get a shot on target but Liliu’s effort was blocked by Steve Sultana in two attempts. After Haber made a routine save to block Mifsud Triganza’s central shot, Birkirkara’s first notable foray into their opponents’ half came after 42 minutes. Haruana served Paul Fenech with a cute throughball before the latter shot straight at Sultana’s hands.
Quiet, unproductive exchanges marked the opening minutes after the break. Neither side was able to make any headway with custodians at both ends remaining idle.
However, past the hour mark, Birkirkara almost struck gold but the woodwork denied Ryan Camenzuli before Liliu pounced on the rebound but his volley was stopped by Sultana.
As the end of the game loomed large, Birkirkara stormed forward with renewed urgency but three minutes from time, they suffered a killer blow when Ryan Scicluna was given the marching orders for a late tackle on Edison Bilbao Zarate.
In the dying minutes, Kurt Zammit, on for Eliandro served Liliu in the box but the Brazilian was anticipated by the onrushing Sultana.